How we rank care homes
We use a transparent scoring system to build every shortlist. Here's exactly how it works.
Care type fit
30 pointsDoes the home offer the type of care your loved one needs — residential, nursing, dementia, or respite? An exact match scores highest.
CQC rating
20 pointsOutstanding scores 20 points, Good scores 15, Requires Improvement scores 5, Inadequate scores 0. We always show the inspection date alongside the rating.
Distance
20 pointsCloser homes score higher. Within 5 miles scores full marks; over 25 miles scores 0. We use the postcode you provide.
Budget fit
20 pointsHomes within your stated weekly budget score 20 points. Up to 10% over scores 12; up to 20% over scores 6; more than 20% over scores 0.
Vacancy
10 pointsHomes we have confirmed have a current vacancy score 10 points. Unknown vacancy scores 5; confirmed full scores 0.
Partner homes
Some homes in our network have signed a formal fee agreement with us. At equal scores, these verified partners are prioritised — because we have confirmed their fees and vacancy directly. We always disclose this in your shortlist rationale.
CQC data sourced from cqc.org.uk. Ratings and inspection dates shown as of the date your shortlist was generated. Home for Mum is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Care Quality Commission.